Controlling Nesidiocoris tenuis in tomato (NESI)

Recently, the mediterranean predatory bug Nesidiocoris tenuis has been found frequently in the Belgian and Dutch greenhouses. In Southern Europe, Nesidiocoris is considered a beneficial, predatory bug against Tuta absoluta, whitefly, thrips, mites, aphids and some other pests. However, in North-Europe, Nesidiocoris causes plant damage. As Nesidiocoris is often only noticed when damage occurs, treatment is generally too late. Furthermore, at this moment, Nesidiocoris can only be treated with broad spectrum chemicals that also kill beneficial control agents like Macrolophus pygmaeus. This causes a disruption of the IPM strategy, leading to additional problems with other pests (for example whitefly). During this project, we aim to identify solutions to control Nesidiocoris in a sustainable way.

Keywords:Nesidiocoris tenuis, tomato, IPM

Disciplines:Horticultural crop protection